Meet Elfi Gabriel

Elfrida (Elfi) Gabriel has been working in the Sigma Tau Delta Central Office for ten years and currently is the Director of Marketing and Technology. Starting out as the “webmaster,” she soon began working on developing the Society’s graphic standards, new websites, membership databases, and online application processes. Elfi thoroughly enjoys learning about technology that can be applied to improve member experiences and opportunities.

Elfi is married and has two creative children who are pursuing their undergraduate degrees. She and her husband share a passion for bicycling. Elfi thinks the experience is as close to flying as one can get without leaving the ground.

1. My favorite animated movie is The Lion King.
   
2. I never leave the house without glasses. I have all kinds: for driving, reading, bicycling, . . .
3. If I had to eat one food for the rest of my life, it would be: One food item is too boring. It would take away the joy of eating.
4. Growing up, I was sure I would be an architect or a doctor.
5. I know all the songs from the Carole King Tapestry album. It was my favorite album when I was a kid.
6. The best gift I’ve ever received was my children, of course.
7. My nickname in high school was Elfi, although my first boss called me Fifi.
8. If you find me in the kitchen, I’m typically whipping up cakes, cookies, and anything else you can bake.
9. I’m more of a reader.
10. The best paper title I ever created was hmmm?
11. The literary place I’d most like to visit is a toss up between Middle-earth, “New Zealand” and Narnia.
12. My dream job is being a travel guide, perhaps in on of the National Parks, Williamsburg, or another historic place.
13. An author I truly admire is C.S. Lewis.
14. My go-to children’s book is Star of Kazan, by Eva Ibbotson.
15. The destination at the top of my travel bucket list is all the continents I haven’t been to: South America, Australia, Africa, and Asia.
16. My favorite part of being an English Major is: I’m not, but I love to hear the discussions of English studies people.
17. The last book I read was Britt-Marie was Here, by Fredrik Backman.
18. My favorite book series is mystery novels by Donna Leon.
19. My favorite place to buy books is at Independent stores near my home, like Anderson Bookshop in Naperville, IL.
20. In 10 years, I’m betting that the big trend in literature will be a toss up between AI literature events and getting back to old school books.
21. My first job was working in a German deli.
22. The last book I bought was: I use the library extensively, but I purchase books as gifts or as reference materials. I bought American Lonesome: The Work of Bruce Springsteen, by Gavin Cologne-Brookes as a Christmas present for my husband.
23. The celebrity I’d most like to spend a day with is Melinda Gates. She is coming out with a new book called The Moment of Lift and her mission to empower women and activate change in society.
24. If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in a place where it doesn’t get below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
25. I’m a Muggle.